I have read what the possible answers might be however someone may have had a recent experience dealing in this area. If I wanted to sell an automatic soup maker in the US (please keep in mind that this unit will use a DC motor not AC motor for blending and it also has an heating element on the bottom) what certifications are need in the USA if any. The unit will not be used for commercial applications. Thanks
Electronic – What certifications are required to sell a home kitchen appliance in the USA
certification
Related Solutions
1. Factors to consider prior to certification
You will need to first clarify to yourself, and second formally document, each of the following:
- the constituent parts in your device (as well as whether the internal parts you might be using themselves have been pre-certified)
- whether your devices will be used within just the airport vs. on-board aircraft
- any GSM provider(s) you may intend to work with
- the target countries/region(s) of operation of the device
2. Regulatory agencies/standards
The following details are provided with a little more weight on United States regulations, but also with some focus on general European regulations. With that said, note that there are a variety of specific regulatory standards to which you need to ensure your device, and its components, conform. In terms of certifications, you'll need to research and get certified by some or all of the following (again, it would depend on the above list of factors for your specific case):
- Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations
- Federal Communications Commission (FCC) certification
- PTCRB (originally: PCS Type Certification Review Board) certification
- Carrier certification-testing
3. Obtaining the specifics on applying for the certifications
There is a wealth of information available out there regarding the specifcs of the above, obtainable via the internet or in paper form from the governing bodies of each of the above. Before you head to the websites/phone numbers of the regulatory agencies, I recommend you read the relevant sections of these four documents to get a good start on what is involved:
- Certification Overview for the Americas Region
- FCC certification for host devices with integrated wireless modules
- PTCRB certification for host devices with integrated cellular modules
- European certification for host devices with integrated wireless modules
Since the above documents are provided for varying regions, and since the documents are fairly extensive, you can start by funneling down the select requirements for just the first region in which you wish to launch your device.
Best Answer
Certifications and legal requirements aren't the same thing. There are no certifications that are actually required by law since your device does not contain a RF transmitter (those do need certification).
The only legal requirements are that the device not radiate radio waves above some limit, and that it not conduct signals back onto the power line above some amplitude limit. In both cases, the maximum allowed amplitude depends on frequency. The radiated emissions are regulated up to a few GHz, and the conducted emissions much lower. The point of both these is to prevent your device from interfering with radio communication.
For a unintentional radiator, there is no requirement that it be tested and certified, only that it comply. Getting it tested is a good way to know you aren't violating the limits, and things will go a lot better later on if some units are found to violate the limits if you can show due dilligence and proper testing.
In practise, you need UL or equivalent approval for any device aimed at the ordinary consumers. If your device catches fire and burns down someone's house, or shocks them, things will go very badly in court if you can't show that "accepted design practises" were used. Because not only will you get sued, but also the retailer, most retailers aren't going to touch your product without it having the relevant UL (or equivalent) certifications.